Singapore Premier League • May 10, 2019

Young Lions aim to continue progress against Warriors

SINGAPORE,
10 MAY 2019 – Led by national legend Fandi Ahmad,
the Young Lions punched above their weight in 2018 as they finished seventh in
the Singapore Premier League (SPL).

Not many tipped them to do the same this
season after losing key players in almost every department.

Irfan Fandi joined Thai League 2 side side
BG Pathum United, while younger brother Ikhsan – top scorer with eight goals last
season – left for Norwegian second-tier side Raufoss IL. Captain Taufiq
Muqminin and midfield playmaker Hami Syahin both moved to Home United.

This saw Fandi promote a number of players from
the national Under-17s and Under-18s, such as Nur Adam Abdullah, Rezza Rezky
and Syahadat Masnawi.

Despite that, the Young Lions have managed two
wins and one draw after seven matches to sit sixth and have not lost by more
than a goal since the opening 4-1 defeat to Balestier Khalsa.

“Before the season, I said that we’d be
happy if we can finish off the bottom,” Fandi told the official SPL website. “It’s
not easy coming into the SPL where it is a totally different level of football.
The boys are coping well and are up for the challenge, but we can do better.”

The 56-year-old singled out composure and
compactness as areas to improve in. “In terms of experience, we are far behind;
sometimes, the other team dominates and the boys get jittery,” he said. “Games
like the one against Albirex (Niigata, where we conceded a stoppage-time
winner)… we should not have lost, but this is part of the learning process.
It’s important that we keep fighting and have the belief.”

HARD WORKSkipper Joshua Pereira is relishing the role of guiding “the younger ones” as they aim to make the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad at the end of the year.

“I was pretty surprised to be named
captain,” said the 21-year-old, now into his fourth season with the Young Lions.
“In all honesty, I didn’t fare too well in pre-season and Coach Fandi did tell
me off a few times, but I’m glad he did because it motivated me to work harder
and push myself further.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy year
but credit to the boys, who have kept working hard and left their hearts out on
the pitch in every single game.

“We’ve progressed well since a huge loss in
the first game. One of the best attributes about this group of boys (is that)
they always keep pushing to be better!”

Pereira believes their 1-0 win last week
against Balestier was testament to their progress. “I told the boys before the
game that we can’t lose to them again,” he revealed. “Everyone dug in and gave
everything we got, so it was nice to come away with the victory.”

Forward Syukri Bashir, who scored the
winning goal, has enjoyed leading the line since his move from Hougang United
in the off-season.

“It has been good working under Coach
Fandi, who always reminds us that he is preparing us to be future national team
players,” said the 21-year-old, whose target is to reach double digits this
season.

“It has been quite challenging as I had to
adapt to a different playing style that involves high pressing and fast
counter-attacks, but I can feel that my game is slowly improving.

“My job is also easier with players like
Saifullah (Akbar) and Haiqal (Pashia) supporting me in attack. They are really
good dribblers, so all I have to focus on is making the runs and giving them
support.”

Bottom-placed Warriors have endured a
wretched start to the campaign with just one point from seven outings, despite
having the likes of Gabriel Quak, Sahil Suhaimi, Khairul Nizam and Jonathan
Behe in their ranks.

Former head coach Jorg Steinebrunner is set
to return for a second stint and defender Delwinder Singh believes there is
ample time for them to turn their season around.

“Things are not as bad as it seems,” the
26-year-old said. “It’s still possible for us to get into the top five. It’s
about putting in a run of wins, maybe two or three and then we’ll be close to
some of the other teams.

“Of course, we do not like the feeling of
losing. We are working hard as a team to make things better and the only way is
up now.

“Young Lions have a group of players who
have nothing to lose. It will be tough against them but I believe we can get
the win if we work together as a team.”

Vice-captain Sahil has enjoyed wearing the
captain’s armband in most games and is hoping to add to his tally of two goals.

“Wearing the armband definitely adds more
pressure but I just have to do my job and lead by example on the pitch,” the
26-year-old forward said. “I’m slowly gaining back my form and hopefully, I can
score more.

“We shouldn’t be at the bottom with the
players we have. Now we are adapting to the new coach’s style quickly and
hopefully, we can start the second round well to close the gap.”

Fandi chose to preach caution, noting that
Warriors can be a dangerous side on their day and warned his side of a tough
game in store.

“Warriors are an experienced team with good
players like Behe and Sahil,” said the former Warriors coach, who led them to title
triumphs in 2000 and 2002. “I don’t know what’s happening with them at the
moment, but results don’t show everything.

“We have to do our best and fight for every
ball in order to get a result. Mentally we’re strong, but physically we need to
push a bit more at this level.”